Plans For Valentine’s Day Yet?

So, it’s Thursday, the day before Valentine’s Day. You and your partner have been super cavalier about the holiday this year and have decided to wait until you have less than 24 hours of planning time left. You’re probably starting to wonder what plans you can throw together. Well, we’re here to throw some ideas your way.

Dinner

Of course you’re going to want to start your romantic night out with a bite to eat. For those of you who live on campus and can’t bear this blustery weather, somewhere close is what you’re looking for.

Though $47 is a bit pricey on a college kid budget, The Nittany Lion Inn is charging that for a six-course meal. There are four to choose from and you can make reservations for anytime in between 5:30 and 9 p.m. by calling 814-865-8590.

Anyone who doesn’t have a buck to spare, fear not, for there is such a place where you don’t have to sacrifice quality for a lower price. Well, I guess it depends on your standards, but McDonald’s is continuing its tradition to host a “candle-lit” dinner for friends and lovers alike. This is taking place at all three McDonalds’ in town: 442 E. College Ave., 2821 E. College Ave., and 1615 N. Atherton St.

You can show up without a reservation between 5 and 8 p.m. Customers can enter a raffle that occurs hourly, the grand prize being dinner for 2 once a month for a whole year. That’s no free burrito from Chipotle for a kiss — which, unfortunately, is actually just a rumor — but it’s better than selling a kidney to eat at the Tavern.

If you’re up for the walk and you’d rather drink than eat, Gigi’s Restaurant and Wine Lounge has Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. with live piano entertainment featuring Arthur Goldstein following from 6 – 9 p.m. If you decide you could use a snack, they’re also offering a “chef inspired” dessert bar and a champagne cocktail fountain. Reservations can be made at 814-861-3463.

Movies

Not one, not two, but three movies will premier this Friday for Valentine’s Day. Movies usually suit better as a prequel to dinner because it gives you topic for conversation. Regardless, here are a few good choices if you want to set the mood:

UEC 12 Theater

Movies:

About Last Night (12:20, 2:40, 5, 7:20, 9:40)

Endless Love (noon, 2:20, 4:40, 7, 9:30)

Frozen (12:20, 2:50, 5:20)

Labor Day (7:40, 10)

Winter’s Tale (12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 9:30)

Rates:

Matinee

Adult: $7

Student: $7

Under 12: $7

Senior (65+): $7

After 6 pm

Adult: $9.75

Students w/ ID: $8.25

Child/Senior: $7

College 9

Movies:

Endless Love (noon, 2:30, 5, 7:30, 10)

Frozen (noon, 2:30, 5, 7:30)

Winter’s Tale (1:30, 4:15, 7, 9:40)

Rates:

Matinee

Adult: $7

Student: $7

Under 12: $7

Senior (65+): $7

After 6 pm

Adult: $9.75

Students w/ ID: $8.25

Child/Senior: $7

A nice alterative to driving to the theaters out of downtown is seeing Casablanca at the State Theatre on College Avenue. There are two showings, one at 4 p.m. and one at 7:30 p.m., both on February 14. It’s $6 a ticket for all ages (this includes the $1 ticketing fee per ticket).

Ice Skating

Though it’s not exactly catered for those seeking a romantic ice skating experience, complete with construction paper hearts and pink crate paper hanging ever, the Pegula is offering skating to the general public from 10 to 11:30 p.m. on Friday. This isn’t a special event; it happens every Friday night. However, I think it’d be a nice touch to the end of a Valentine’s Day date. Work off the gigantic meal you probably just ate and get the juices pumpin’ before you head back to sexile your roommate. Rates are listed below.

Adults: $7

18 & under: $6

Senior (66 & up): $5

PSU Students w/ ID: $5

Skate Rentals: $3

Wine & Chocolate Pairing

The Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery is hosting a wine and chocolate pairing on behalf of Valentine’s Day, but it’s actually a day late. It goes from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 15. This event features Mt. Nittany’s award-winning wine and chocolate from the Boalsburg Chocolate Company. Believe it or not, it’s only $5 per person, but it does require reservations, which can be made by calling 814-466-6373. Unfortunately, this event will almost certainly require a car and a designated driver because it is kind of a hike to get there. Directions can be found right here.